Can Anderson be a Third Ace for Hammerheads?
The Honolulu Hammerheads have been the early season standout in the RDBL, entering play Thursday in 1st place. The club ranks 2nd in hitting which has GM Ross Horiuchi thrilled but the Front Office believes they have more in the tank on the mound despite already being tied for 4th in scoring from their pitchers. Jacob deGrom and Corbin Burnes (first pitcher with 30K and 0 walks in first 3 starts since 1906) are dominating but Horiuchi is looking for more out of Ian Anderson who enters his Thursday start with a 4.35 ERA in 10 1/3 innings. The emergence of Anderson or the return to dominance for Kenta Maeda would make the Heads an even greater threat in the Peninsula Division this summer.
Was Trevor Rogers the Steal of the Draft?
The Asti Grape Stompers scooped up Rogers in the 4th Round of the Reserve Draft and thus far, the left-hander has looked like a complete steal for GM Terry Shelley. Rogers holds a 1.80 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 10.0 innings and will look to continue his hot streak against the Braves on Thursday morning.
Acuña on Record Pace
The Goutfish star is on an absolute tear to start the season, slashing .447/.500/1.000 with six home runs and six doubles. He leads all hitters with 78.0 points, 19.5 more than Mike Trout who ranks 2nd. Acuña will look to spoil Rogers' hot start in Thursday morning's contest.
Oh My, Yermin
It's hard to find another player that is more likeable, and surprising, as Jokers prospect Yermin Mercedes. The former catcher was a surprising 2017 2nd Round Pick (19th overall) by GM Rick Steen who has kept the faith in Mercedes despite falling in value to the point that many expected him to be dropped in both 2020 and 2021. Steen looks like a genius for holding Mercedes who ranks 6th in overall hitting after another absolute tank on Wednesday.
Big Start for Manaea and Devils
Time is ticking on the Devils season and while it's early, Thursday could mark an important jumping off point for their season. Off-season acquisition Sean Manaea has a favorable matchup against the Tigers and will look to pick up a rotation that has a -16 and -17 this week. With Bo Bichette heating up and Mike Yastrzemski looking more like himself, the Devils are still close enough to get back into the race but will need to overcome five of their hitters having their game postponed Thursday.
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